I want to take a moment to draw your attention toward an important matter.

As everyone has probably already heard, our very own "Fettofficer" (Dean DeAnda) was recently given the opportunity to become a part of "Fett History" by being chosen to appear in the 2011 Star Tours film, as none other than "Boba Fett". In his own suit, built on the very principles that launched TheDentedHelmet.com almost a decade ago.

This is a pretty big deal guys and gals :) One of our "own" has officially joined the family of "Screen Used" Fetts. ! :thumbsup He's even been invited to attend the Opening Ceremony in 2011 !

With this opportunity, also came a bit of a surprise. Dean found out that there was talk about putting the very suit he wore in filming - into the Parks & Resorts museum :eek There are no words to describe what an honor this would be folks !

Think about it? There are only a couple of Fetts under glass running around the world. They're genuine Lucasfilm artifacts. Dean has the opportunity to have his suit inducted into a Museum, displayed under plexi, just like a genuine movie artifact ! :eek Not only will millions of people see his performance in the Star Tours film for the next 10 or 15 years, perhaps as many could also see it in a Museum indefinitely ! Intense doesn't even describe what Dean must be feeling. He's not the type to tout himself by any means. Nor is he the type to discuss his hardships.

Unfortunately, Dean has fallen on some pretty hard times. Sadly, as it turns out Dean has had to decline the invitation for inducting his suit.

I don't want to discuss Deans personal matter openly. He certainly won't do it
himself. But someone needs to speak up. Time is of the essence.

Without saying too much, some of you may know that Dean's sister was diagnosed with cancer around the same time as my wife Pam. She's been fighting the good fight every since. It's been such a hardship on Dean, and his family. With this misfortune, came other struggles as of late that have put such a strain on Dean and his wonderful family, that Dean has found himself in no position to be able to donate his suit to a Museum. He needs to sell it. As we all know, we have to do what we have to do in this life. Especially when the first rule is "Family" comes FIRST.

When I discussed this with Dean, I knew I had to try to help find another way. TDH has been good to me. You all know why Dean is a very proud man and would likely never ask for it himself.

So, to the matter at hand. I'm proposing a group venture. There is no requirement to participate. Times are difficult for everyone. But at least give it some thought.

We as a community are in a VERY unique position to help relieve some of Dean's burden, while at the same time getting a brand new piece of history preserved. There is strength in numbers.

What if we as a family could raise enough money to make this happen ? What I'm proposing is very simple. A drive for contributions toward a two sided goal. If as many of us as we can muster - could contribute even just a little, we could likely meet or exceed what Dean needs to get for his suit. We as "TDH" would essentially be "Buying" Dean's suit from him. In turn, the TDH family could contribute the suit to the museum on Dean's behalf !

I've said it before. But I'll say it one, last time. When Art Andrews founded this community, it was to promote change. To promote knowledge. After seeing his first Fett growing up, he knew it could be better - even then ! :lol Look at us now? Did Art ever think that this community would have grown to be what it is today? Did any of you "Old Timers"? Think about it. We've grown in leaps and bounds. From research and discovering treasures from the past, to building Jeremy Bulloch his very own suit !!! We've had Fetts proudly represent TDH on TV, in Charity, and now an official Lucasfilm Production – “Star Tours II”. Our very own members have represented us in so many other ways as well ! Without Art, none if this would have ever happened. Does anyone ever think about that ? It's the very principle of “It's a Wonderful Life". How one person can affect the course of so many other lives. Without TDH, not one of us, would be here today. Not one of you that have accomplished your goals would be here today. And I, don't know where Pam or I would be today without the family we call TDH :praise

So starting today, if you can manage it, lets make this happen. Our contributions can make this happen. I'm the first to leap. How many of you, will follow me ? :D

The goal is anything above $2000. If we can reach this goal, the suit gets immortalized by TheDentedHelmet.com ! It is unclear at this point if we as a group will be credited officially. There are pretty stringent rules where Lucasfilm is concerned. But it's being looked into. With any luck, it will be allowed. And TDH will be immortalized as well ;)

I do want to reiterate that -TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE- .

A huge thanks to everyone ! And best of luck Dean !!!

I also want to shout out a HUGE "Thank You" to Art Andrews for his support !

If you would be so kind to make your contribution payment as "Personal" - "Payment Owed", it would
be received by the DeAnda family without the deduction of Pay-Pal fees. Every penny could
bring us closer to our goal !

- AUCTION DONATIONS -

Also, SUPERProps was awesome to suggest possibly accepting donations of items for auction as well.
If anyone is interested in donating an item that could be put up for auction, I would be more than happy
to accept whatever it is you have to offer. ALL proceeds of course, will go directly to Dean and his family.
Please feel free to contact me personally. Due to the nature of this situation, I will give preference to
messages received that pertain to this drive. I'm sure everyone will more than understand, as time IS of
the essence here

- PARTS DONATIONS FOR SALE -

1. dsonik Girth Belt - made to order.
~Version of your choice~

The first to contribute $70 to the DeAnda's , will
receive it for a $5 shipping fee (in the U.S.) that
goes to straight to dsonik. ($75 total) Once the
contribution is confirmed, I will contact dsonik with
your board name :thumbsup

1. "lawdawg" - CONFIRMED

RECEIVED THUS FAR :

$794.24

Apr 14, 2010

daric larone

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Chris, this is awesome; thanks for stepping up. I will be contributing what I can to the cause. :)

Apr 14, 2010

SUPERprops

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Can we send you items and then you can sell them in an auction?

Apr 14, 2010

woodman

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

I will send money.

Apr 14, 2010

slave1pilot

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Here is the Love.
I'm glad it isn't completely gone.

Apr 14, 2010

Replicant Shadow

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

I am on deck.

Apr 14, 2010

fettpride

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Thanks so much everyone. TDH is STILL a family, no matter what anyone says !

I just added the address for contributions in Post # 1

Chris

Apr 14, 2010

woodman

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Chris, You may want to add to send the funds under "payment owed" and all the money will make it there without PP fees. well I guess I just did add it. I'm sure everyone knows this but anyway.

Apr 14, 2010

fettpride

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

You're absolutely right. Thank you for that brother

SuperProps - That's a terrific idea. I'm more than willing to do that for anyone who wants to contribute. I can auction off the items
on eBay since I'm established. Or any other means that can be suggested. If anyone would like to participate this way, please give
me a shout. Due to the nature of this situation, I will give preference to messages that pertain to this drive. I'm sure everyone will
more than understand Thanks so much for throwing that out there buddy :thumbsup

Chris

Apr 15, 2010

Chucko

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

I'm down.

Apr 15, 2010

papyplouf

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Is there any simple way to report how much fund was raised ? I think that a banner "Dean's suit at Disney museum, $1500 to go" here on the forum could be quite motivating for donations. Weekly refreshed, it shouldn't be to hard to manage.

Apr 15, 2010

Skor

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

I sent a donation, I hope it in someway helps! This place is fantastic and although I've only just joined, I can see why this place has so many great members!

Apr 15, 2010

clonecollector

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Quote:

slave1pilot said:

Here is the Love.
I'm glad it isn't completely gone.

You're right... here it is!

Apr 15, 2010

fettpride

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Quote:

papyplouf said:

Is there any simple way to report how much fund was raised ? I think that a banner "Dean's suit at Disney museum, $1500 to go" here on the forum could be quite motivating for donations. Weekly refreshed, it shouldn't be to hard to manage.

Another terrific idea ! Thank You !!

I will be in touch with Dean every day or so (or when Dean is available to do so) to get an update. I can put the running tally in post #1 as the info is received !

Thanks for the support so far everyone :cheers

Chris

Apr 15, 2010

mrmandalore

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Well done on stepping up, Chris. I am a relative newbie, but there is community spirit here at TDH, and a worthy cause to boot. You may count on me. PP sent.

Apr 15, 2010

Boomer Fett

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Quote:

slave1pilot said:

Here is the Love.
I'm glad it isn't completely gone.

I'm feelin it!!! Can you feel it? Way to go...

Apr 15, 2010

Fett 4 Real

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Disney didnt offer to purchase the costume from Dean? Im a little confused as to why a billion dollar company wouldnt offer to buy his costume from him...sorry if you stated the reason Chris...Im testing out some anti-motion sickness meds and may not be able to concentrate as easily I guess.

Apr 15, 2010

FettOfficer

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

I'm totally stunned! I don't know what to say. When my sister and I saw this thread she started to fall
in tears.:cry....As I as well. Though she's not a member of TDH. I've always told her how this site/forum is different from all others. She never seen such a strong community getting together to do something like this for her a (Stranger) to most and to have a Fett suit donated to Disney (WDI) for there Archives, Museum or Parks. I'll make sure TDH will get recognize for it. :) This is my home "Thank You Art" and with family all around. I met many of you at Con's and private functions. I hope I still get the opportunity to meet more of you New and Veterans members.

Chris, (FP) "My Brother!" I'm speechless...."A Saint" my sister calls him. I'm afraid I'm going to agree with her. Again, you always seem to surprise me and I'm sure "Everyone"... of the things you do. Never in my life I have ever thought anyone would do something like this for me and my family. I am truly grateful my brother.

To everyone! From my sister and I...There so much to say but we're very emotional right now "A Huge Big Hug!" "Thank You so much for contributing.
We Love and God Bless You All.

-Dean

Apr 15, 2010

SUPERprops

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

No my friend, Thank You!

Apr 15, 2010

fettpride

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Dean, don't mention it. Just concentrate on the task at hand - and that is taking care of your Sister and Daughter at the moment :thumbsup

Fett 4 Real - I pondered that myself at first. And where there is no real explanation, one just has to assume that where there are "billions", there can sometimes be a certain level of ostentation, unfortunately. I'm not saying by any means that this is the case as they are all pretty great people that are directly involved. Brian Nefsky (Casting Director), Linda Folsum, and Frank Reifsnyder. Personally, I figure that perhaps they felt it as enough of an honor to even offer to put the suit on display. And when you get right down to it, I believe it is :thumbsup

Chris

Apr 15, 2010

darkbambi

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

I love that feeling of friendship and I can say I'm very proud of being a (very new) member here !

just sent a little contribution and hope it will soon reach that goal !!

wishes you the best :thumbsup

Apr 15, 2010

Fett 4 Real

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Quote:

fettpride said:

Dean, don't mention it. Just concentrate on the task at hand - and that is taking care of your Sister and Daughter at the moment :thumbsup

Fett 4 Real - I pondered that myself at first. And where there is no real explanation, one just has to assume that where there are "billions", there can sometimes be a certain level of ostentation, unfortunately. I'm not saying by any means that this is the case as they are all pretty great people that are directly involved. Brian Nefsky (Casting Director), Linda Folsum, and Frank Reifsnyder. Personally, I figure that perhaps they felt it as enough of an honor to even offer to put the suit on display. And when you get right down to it, I believe it is :thumbsup

Chris

Maybe I would think they would recognize the amount of time, money and ones self that goes into building and or aquiring all of the pieces...Maybe instead of purchasing deans suit there could be one built like for Jeremy Bullock and Donated? I for one wouldn't really want to part with mine even if it went into a display at the lucas ranch itself.

Apr 15, 2010

fettpride

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Quote:

Fett 4 Real said:

Maybe I would think they would recognize the amount of time, money and ones self that goes into building and or aquiring all of the pieces...Maybe instead of purchasing deans suit there could be one built like for Jeremy Bullock and Donated? I for one wouldn't really want to part with mine even if it went into a display at the lucas ranch itself.

If TDH were to build a suit for donation to substitute Dean's suit , it certainly wouldn't be the suit
used in the filming of Star Tours II, which is really the point of donating his.

Ultimately, the whole nature of this thread isn't about what Dean wants, or doesn't want. It's about "need". Of course Dean doesn't "want" to see his suit go. None of us would. This thread is about Dean "needing" to sell his suit because of a huge financial burden he and his family are faced with. Dean would still need to sell his suit right now, even if Lucasfilm themselves asked to put his suit into an archive.

What this thread is about is helping a fellow brother of TDH and his family with a major burden, and realizing an opportunity to not allow a small piece of history slip through the cracks at the same time.

By TDH stepping up to essentially buy the suit (which Dean needed to sell anyway) - we're killing two birds with one stone (as mentioned in Post #1). We're getting the relief to Dean and his family that they greatly need, and we're making history doing it.

Someone would have purchased Dean's suit anyway. It would have then been lost somewhere in the costuming community. With our help, it can go where it belongs ... "In a museum". :)

Chris

Apr 15, 2010

Muad Dib

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

I hope people follow what I'm about to say:

Another thing this would accomplish is that even though Dean wore his suit in the film and it would always be known that way, it would also in a way mean that TDH collectively allong with Dean would have a prop in the museum. I don't think there is another STAR WARS prop "owned" by an outside fan group in an LFL archive is there?

Apr 15, 2010

SUPERprops

Re: ATTN: TDH - "Officer Down" - Needs Assistance

Quote:

Dr.Jones said:

That belongs in a museum!

:lol:lol

Be sure to take tons of pics of the suit, then in 15 years they'll be a lot of help.